Arizona Manufacturers Look to the Future by Reaching Out to the Next Generation of Workers and Emphasizing the Need for Tax Reform

Phoenix, Arizona, October 6, 2017 – As part of Manufacturing Day, Sen. Jeff Flake and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt joined the Arizona Manufacturers Council and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix for an event to highlight the impact manufacturing has on the state’s economy and the industry’s need for tax reform.

“Arizona is becoming a hub for manufacturing, which is great for our economy,” said Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer. “Not only do we export manufactured goods like aerospace, defense, food and drink products nationwide, but the manufacturing industry creates 159,100 jobs and contributes $23.53 billion in economic output. But to solidify this momentum, we need comprehensive tax reform. For too long, businesses have been restricted in their growth because of the U.S. tax code. We now have hope that relief is coming our way.”

In late September, the Trump administration and congressional leaders released their plan to overhaul the U.S. tax code. The proposal, which is the most sweeping reform plan in decades, aims to slash tax rates and simplify the tax code.

“On Manufacturing Day, Arizona’s dreamers, doers and makers open our doors to modern manufacturing and unveil the opportunities that lie beyond them to students, parents, educators and community members across the country. It is our industry’s biggest stage to recruit and inspire next-generation manufacturers to create and build their—and our—future in America,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “The future of manufacturing also heavily depends on enacting bold tax reform, and today is a great opportunity to bring that message directly to the American people. Getting tax reform done will secure these jobs in the United States and mean even more Americans can enjoy well-paying, high-tech, hands-on and exciting careers in modern manufacturing.”

To underscore manufacturing’s importance to the U.S. economy, President Donald Trump invited a delegation of manufacturing workers, led by Timmons, to join him at the White House to sign an official presidential proclamation declaring October 6th as National Manufacturing Day. To celebrate Manufacturing Day, President Trump deployed several members of his Cabinet to participate in Manufacturing Day events across the country.

First held in 2012 along with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International, Manufacturing Day gives manufacturers the opportunity to address the skills gaps they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole. Learn more about Manufacturing Day and the significant impact this event has across the nation here.

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The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org..